Post-Lockdown Wedding

Congratulations to Nicky & Shaz! 

A Durham couple who thought they’d have to put their wedding plans on hold until 2021 were given the green light to hold their wedding at Rockliffe Hall, on Friday 31st July. A little different to normal, Nicky Wynne-Williams, 53, and Shaz Russell, 55, drove to the resort in style, in a convertible Aston Martin, to make their vows in the beautiful grounds of the hotel.

The couple, who met online four years ago, were originally due to tie the knot on June 13th in Newcastle with a big party for 180 guests planned for afterwards. But, like thousands of not-so-happy couples across the country, lockdown put an end to their plans.

“Our decision to postpone our wedding actually turned out to be a good thing,” says Nicky, “because just before lockdown my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s been having treatment at the Freeman Hospital all through lockdown and wouldn’t have been well enough to attend our wedding if it had still taken place in June.”

On top of that, Nicky and her family also recently made the heart-wrenching decision to put their care home business of 20 years into liquidation. She and Shaz have had a very challenging time so when Rockliffe Hall’s wedding team told them they could host a Drive Thru wedding this summer, they jumped at the chance.

The happy couple, both social workers, have both been previously married and have four daughters and four grandchildren between them. Nicky’s mum, Mary, and Shaz’s daughter Jasmine, will be their witnesses, and will also drive up to the registrar at the Summer House in another Aston Martin.

After they said ‘I do’, Shaz, Nicky and their family made their way to the Old Hall terrace which boasts stunning views of Rockliffe Hall’s 365 acre estate and golf course. The brides chose tiered cupcakes for their wedding cake and enjoyed the sunny weather as the guests place garden games on the croquet lawn.

Congratulations to you both! We wish you all the happiness for the future.